Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo will be in for one more World Cup with their national teams, and in all likelihood this will be the last of their huge careers. In fact, they will complete five appearances in the top competition and thus reach the top in this category as well. Also, according to a data-analyzing supercomputer, there is an increased possibility that the final pairing will be Portugal-Argentina, so perhaps the fate of football has in store the best career closure at World Cup level for the two superstars.
Cristiano Ronaldo: Always present for the national team
2006
In the first World Cup, Cristiano Ronaldo saw Portugal reach the semi-finals of the tournament where they were eliminated by eventual finalists France. The Portuguese superstar didn't have the role he earned in the following years as he was only 21 years old.
2010
In his second World Cup, the Portuguese striker reached the round of 16 with his country, where he was eliminated by eventual World Champions Spain. Cristiano scored a goal in a 7-0 win over North Korea.
2014
At the World Cup in Brazil, Cristiano was suffering from a knee problem, the team doctor told him not to play, however, he played in the team's second game and provided an assist, while in the third game he scored his 50th goal for the shirt team's. However, Portugal was left out of the tie.
2018
In the previous World Cup Cristiano Ronaldo scored a hat-trick against Spain and became the oldest player in World Cup history to do so, Portugal qualified but were then eliminated by Uruguay.
Lionel Messi: He came closer than ever
2006
The then 18-year-old Lionel Messi scored in just his first game at the World Cup and showed what was to come. Argentina reached the quarter-finals of the competition, as they were eliminated by Germany on penalties and the decision not to play Messi had been criticized negatively.
2010
In 2010, everyone expected that Argentina with Lionel Messi in the roster and Diego Maradona in the technical leadership had all the ingredients to reach the top, however, once again Germany prevailed 4-0 in the quarter-finals and left the Albiceleste out. .
2014
Lionel Messi was in his best footballing age and was the leader of the team. His performances throughout the World Cup led Argentina to the final, the Argentine had already been voted the tournament's most important player, however, missed chances and a Goetze goal in extra time, once again gave victory and victory to trophy in Germany.
2018
Argentina struggled to progress to the next stage, Lionel Messi scored a goal against Nigeria, however, in the knockout stage a 4–3 defeat by France sent the Albiceleste and Messi out of the tournament.
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